Solar drying of bananas: Mathematical model, laboratory simulation, and field data compared

A mathematical model for the solar drying of bananas was developed using a numerical solution procedure to generate a computer simulation. The solutio n incorporated terms for solar absorption, long-wave emission, natural or f orced convection, and evaporation. The model was in good agreement with lab oratory results obtained under artificial lights and also field data from r esearchers In Thailand. The model showed drying to be insensitive to ambien t relative humidity but sensitive to factors affecting banana temperature. Reducing exposure to wind was shown to increase banana temperature and so r educe drying time by typically 15%, while also lowering the final moisture content achievable. The results are potentially useful to producers.